EASTERN

“A Treasure That Takes You Through Time, Myth & Legend”

Eastern Newfoundland winds 380 km (236 miles) from Cape Bonavista in the north, to the Burin Peninsula in the south.

The charming villages located here once rivalled the City of St. John’s as the fishing capital of North America. Today they rival any spot in the world with their simple, old-world beauty.

For example, the name ‘Bonavista’ means ‘Happy View’ in Latin. It’s believed Italian explorer Giovanni Caboto (Anglicized John Cabot) stated “O buono vista” on the deck of his ship The Matthew when he arrived here in 1497.

To begin, the region maintains countless historical, architectural and cultural attractions. As well as expressing a true ‘out-port’ lifestyle our island people have long been known for.

Also, on your Eastern Newfoundland journey, you will meet honest, friendly folk. You shall experience a rich seafaring heritage which, in many respects, remains unchanged since their arrival on these shores over five centuries ago.

This is particularly evident in the countless museums which document the development of the techniques and tools of the fishing trade.

Furthermore, much of the region also lies within ‘Iceberg Alley’. In addition to providing you with a front row seat to countless species of whales. Here you will get up close and personal with these sensational ocean mammoths.

Places You’ll Visit

Experiences To Cherish

a Newfoundland ‘Boil-Up’

The ‘boil-up’ is a cherished Newfoundland pastime. Led by local, knowledgeable guides, you will attend a sunset beach boil-up. You will explore unique, beautiful scenery and hear interesting stories past down the generations. Above all, you will partake in a delightfully authentic cultural foodie experience. Includes moose, cod (cheeks and tongue), crab, rhubarb relish, partridge-berry jam and wild mint tea.

Guided storytelling tour along a beautiful coastal trail. Then you’re led to a large scale, authentic replica of early 19th-Century out-port living. Site includes sod and education houses, church, fishing stages and flakes, vegetable garden and sheep grazing. Return to a time when a people, against all odds, fought to survive and flourish in a rugged, bleak land. Definitely your genuine living history experience.

Frolicking With Puffins

Rugged coastal view of hundreds of puffins from land, the nearest site in North America. True seabirds, puffins spend most of their time swimming, diving and feeding. Propelled by their powerful wings, they reach ocean depths of 70 m (200 ft). In fact, they use their webbed feet as a rudder. Not to mention colourful, comical and curious. They will wander right up to you mere meters away.

19th Century Merchants

Witness the international cod trade and inshore fishery of the 18th and 19th centuries told from the perspective of the Newfoundland merchant. On your 2-3 hour self-guided tour, you will explore five charming, clapboard, heritage buildings. Includes fascinating displays, archival films and hands-on activities. Above all, your historic return to Bonavista, an economic powerhouse that once rivaled the City of St. John’s on the world stage.

200 Years On Land & Sea

An out-of-the-vault exhibition celebrating Newfoundland’s industrious and resourceful people and their deep connection to the land and sea. Includes inshore and offshore fishery tools, artifacts of ships and sailing and navigation. As well as agricultural and transportation collections and items related to trades, professions and work in the home. Overall, your intimate look at Newfoundland life from the 1800s to now.

heritage Dinner Theatre

Step inside a historic building, home to some of the most talented actors in Newfoundland. Diverse theatrical productions include romance, comedy, mystery and multi-instrumental song and dance. Also enjoy a delicious 3-course meal before the performance including pork tenderloin with rum raisin sauce or pan-fried cod. Dishes accompanied by roasted potato, root vegetables, sweet corn and an assortment of deserts. All in all, a culturally rich evening out.

Where Animal Life Began

Guided tour to the geological boundary between the Precambrian and Cambrian periods. Notably, home to some of the world’s oldest fossils of skeletal organisms. These superbly exposed shelled animals burrowed into the sea floor approximately 4.54 billion years ago. Includes visit to a nearby geology centre with an innovative, interactive museum. Hence, a fascinating evolutionary experience for you to take in.

Teeing Off To Bay Breezes

Hit the fairways on a beautiful 9-hole, ocean side golf course with scenic coastal views. Also the most southerly one in the province. With tight fairways, fast greens and strategically-placed sand traps to make for your challenging play. Various water hazards include ponds and surrounding marshland. Additionally, a large practice green and rustic club house with restaurant and lounge on-site for you to unwind.

strolling Memory Lane

Historic district with victorian-era properties and 1850s lighthouse. Stop and ‘yarn’ with fishers and schooner men. Then stroll along the fascinating old harbour with active fishing boats and huge trawlers from the cod fishery heyday. Be sure to ask the locals to tell you the story of the ‘B’ on the lighthouse. Definitely your glimpse into the Grand Banks fishery of the past and present.

Going ‘Off The Grid’

Take a 1 hour, 45 minute ferry ride to a remote south coastal village on Newfoundland’s south coast where there are no roads or cars. Your true ‘off the grid’ adventure that includes hiking to the remains of ‘resettled’ communities. Also opportunities to learn local knowledge on a cod or lobster fishing trip. Above all, stunning vistas of coastal fjords for your beach side cook-up or bring your catch back to the dinner table.

Step inside a beautiful, architecturally-distinct, old-style Anglican church atop a magnificent harbour. Now transformed into an arts and entertainment venue. It is here that fantastic folk and indie concert performances take place by some of Newfoundland and Labrador’s most talented musical groups, singers and songwriters. Definitely your evening of music as moody and wildly local as it gets.

An Artisan At Work

Visit a contemporary stoneware/ceramic studio. Includes one of a kind, handcrafted works of art inspired by the subtle textures and colours of sea and sky. Likewise, you will watch pottery glowing red hot inside a custom built wood burning kiln. Notably, the only one of its kind in the province. Flame, ash and 1250 Celsius temperatures give each creation unique character and colour.